NIH-funded research R21 grant

Identifying risk factors for severe COVID-19-related inflammatory syndrome in children

Official title: Identification of Risk Factors for predicting outcomes of COVID-19-Related Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MISC) using Real World Clinical Data

Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10679093 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at what makes some kids more likely to get sick with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome after having COVID-19, so we can find ways to help those who might need extra care.

More COVID-19 research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project startAugust 8, 2022
Project endJuly 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$199,562
NIH project number5R21HD107571-02
Project IDNIH-10679093 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include children who have had COVID-19 and are at risk for developing MIS-C or have already been diagnosed with it.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not had COVID-19 or do not exhibit symptoms of MIS-C may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the risk factors and biomarkers associated with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) that can occur after COVID-19 infection. By analyzing electronic health record data from multiple health systems in Chicago, the study aims to better understand the characteristics of MIS-C patients, including those who may require intensive care. The goal is to identify patterns that could help in predicting severe outcomes and guide treatment strategies for affected children.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved identification and management of children at risk for severe MIS-C, potentially reducing complications and improving outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding post-COVID inflammatory syndromes, but this specific approach leveraging large electronic health record data is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • Northwestern University at Chicago
    Chicago, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Walunas, Theresa L — Northwestern University at Chicago
  • Study coordinator: Walunas, Theresa L

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Blocking a blood-vessel protein to protect the brain after COVID-19

    Researchers are testing whether a drug that blocks the alpha5beta1 integrin can protect the brain and reduce memory and thinking problems after COVID-19 or in people with vascular dementia.

    NIH research Tulane University of Louisiana · New Orleans, United States · NIH-11457047

  • Investigating how COVID-19 affects people with sickle cell disease

    This study is looking at how COVID-19 affects people with sickle cell disease, especially among African Americans, to better understand the risks and long-term symptoms they might face.

    NIH research University of Iowa · Iowa City, United States · NIH-11098655

  • Investigating how the respiratory microbiome affects COVID-19 severity in older adults

    This study is looking at how the germs in our lungs might affect how seriously older adults get sick from COVID-19, by checking samples from over 200 hospitalized patients to see if certain germs are linked to worse outcomes, especially for those with other health issues.

    NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-10954709

  • Exploring how COVID-19 affects children's reading skills

    This study looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected kids' reading skills, especially those between 0 and 11 years old, to find out which children might need extra help with their learning.

    NIH research Florida State University · Tallahassee, United States · NIH-10892980

  • Identifying risk factors for heart problems in COVID-19 patients

    This study is looking at what makes some people more likely to have heart problems after being hospitalized with COVID-19, so we can better understand their needs and improve their care.

    NIH research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · Boston, United States · NIH-10819470

  • Exploring how a specific protein affects cognitive issues related to COVID-19 in older adults

    This study is looking at how COVID-19 might lead to memory and thinking problems in older adults with vascular dementia, and it will test if a special treatment can help improve their brain function by blocking a specific protein.

    NIH research Tulane University of Louisiana · New Orleans, United States · NIH-10658178

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.